§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what role he envisages primary care trusts taking in dealing with domestic violence. [129622]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Government are firmly committed to tackling domestic violence, a serious and abhorrent crime, and we recently published our strategy to co-ordinate concerted action on this issue in the consultation paper, "Safety and Justice". Within this framework, the national health service has a particular contribution to make in identifying and responding to domestic violence, which has a profound impact on the health and well-being of the individuals concerned and their children.
The Department of Health's publication, "Domestic Violence: A Resource Manual for Health Care Professionals (March 2000)", provides a solid foundation for local multi-agency work and supports health care professionals and managers across all sectors of the NHS, including those working in primary care trusts (PCTs), in developing their domestic violence policies, protocols and services to ensure victims receive the care and support they need in whatever health setting they present.
The Department is working closely with the NHS Modernisation Agency to facilitate sharing of good practice domestic violence strategies by PCTs, particularly those who have developed effective 1286W partnership working arrangements with other key local agencies, through the national primary and care trust development programme.